Venezuelan man shot during delivery

Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 28, was doing a DoorDash delivery in Austin on Sunday when an ICE agent shot him in the upper torso during a foot pursuit. He was released from the hospital into federal custody.

He had valid work permit

Garces Perez entered the U.S. legally and held a valid work permit, according to his attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch. He is from Venezuela and was released into federal custody after hospitalization.

DHS claims he entered illegally

The Department of Homeland Security said Garces Perez entered the country illegally during the Biden administration but provided no additional details about how or when.

Biden programs protected Venezuelans

The Biden administration granted temporary immigration benefits to Venezuelans and others who couldn't safely return home. Trump's administration has erased those protections and reclassified those people as illegal aliens.

Dozens protested at shooting scene

Protesters gathered throughout Sunday at the North Austin site, shouting at law enforcement. Officers fired pepper ball projectiles at the crowd after some demonstrators threw rocks and water bottles.

Third ICE shooting in Texas

This is at least the third instance of an ICE agent shooting someone in Texas since March 2025. Austin's mayor said ICE operations have increased in the city in recent weeks.

Mayor demands independent probe

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called for an independent investigation, saying residents deserve to know what happened. He said he is angry but not surprised by the shooting given increased ICE activity.

“If there's nothing wrong with that, they should welcome an investigation.”

Multiple agencies investigating

Austin police, Texas Rangers, and the Department of Homeland Security will investigate. The Travis County District Attorney's office requested access to evidence, noting the incident may have violated state law.

Trump arrested 250,000 migrants

Trump's administration has increased immigration enforcement nationwide. A quarter of the half million migrants arrested and facing deportation are from Texas, which has one of the largest immigrant populations.

Other fatal ICE shootings

In January, ICE agents fatally shot Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. In March 2025, Ruben Ray Martinez was shot in South Padre Island. In July, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot in Houston.

Pattern of violence, advocates say

U.S. Rep. Greg Casar said ICE has not been truthful about shootings in other cities. Activist David Torres said more people will be killed as deportations continue under Trump's policies.

“As long as these deportations continue, more and more people will be tortured behind walls and killed on the streets.”

Family denied access to man

Garces Perez's attorney said his family has not been permitted to see him and has not received meaningful updates about his status or circumstances. She is demanding appropriate access and communication.

“Our immediate concern is ensuring that his family receives accurate and timely information.”